LAX Says it’s OK to Bring Marijuana, but TSA Says It’s Still Illegal

Charger, toothbrush, ID, and marijuana… This could look like your packing list in the near future if you’re headed out of LAX (Los Angeles International). The airport, in a written statement says that a small amount of pot carried into the airport (not on a plane) is allowed, but police caution users that possession of marijuana is still a federal crime (a particular problem if the TSA finds it on your person).

A TSA spokesperson says that although the TSA will not get involved, an agent can and will call the local police to deal with the matter.

“TSA’s focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers,” Lorie Dankers said to the AP. “Whether or not the passenger is allowed to travel with marijuana is up to law enforcement’s discretion,” she added.

“Passengers should be aware that marijuana laws vary state by state and they are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel,” says the statement posted on the website flylax.com last January after California legalized recreational marijuana.

In Denver, Colorado, one of the first places in the US to legalize pot, it is still illegal to carry the drug into the airport. If caught, a person will be asked to dispose of it, and if he or she throws it away, he or she will be allowed to board.